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Kansas Over The Road Jobs

When you live in a Midwestern state like Kansas, you grow up knowing how important the trucking industry can be. Kansas is full of manufacturers, shipping companies, and retail companies that use trucking companies to transport goods all over the country.

If you want to begin a truck driving career in Kansas, you may be interested in becoming an over-the-road driver. This opportunity may allow you to drive all over Kansas, all over the Midwest, or even all over the country. You can learn more about the trucking industry in Kansas to find out if this is the right career path for you.

In Kansas, the demand for tractor-trailer drivers is expected to increase by 13% between 2010 and 2020 (O*Net, 2013). This may allow you to choose from a range of truck driving openings when you start your career. Major employers in Kansas include Carolina International, Rush Truck Centers, Groendyke Transport, and Ruan Transportation.

You may earn a fairly competitive salary as an over-the-road driver. According to O*Net, most truckers in this state earn between $23,900 and $63,000 per year. Their estimates show that the average truck driver earns $37,800 per year (O*Net, 2013).

Before you can begin your career as an over-the-road truck driver, you have to complete the proper training and get licensed as a commercial truck driver. For the greatest range of career options, consider getting your Class A license. This may let you transport larger loads over state lines and drive bigger trucks.

At a trucking school, you can learn about driving laws. This is particularly important for over-the-road drivers, since you'll likely be expected to adhere to driving laws in different states. You can then get practical driving experience, which allows you to get comfortable behind the wheel of a truck and learn how to keep your truck safe on the road. You may learn how to stop at weigh stations, how to park your truck and turn in for the night, and communicate with your trucking company while you are on the road.

Once you complete your training, you can go to the Kansas Division of Vehicles to get your commercial driver's license. They'll first administer a written exam. Once you pass that, you can take the skills exam. This test will look at your ability to drive in different conditions and stay safe on the road. Once you meet these requirements, you can get your license.